Sex offender suspect had mattress, handcuffs in van

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – A man awaiting trial on charges he tried to lure children into his van even had a book on how to earn the trust of children.

Kenneth Kellam made a court appearance Thursday. Police say when Kellam tried to pick up two little boys near Northside Elementary School in 2009, he had a mattress in his van with handcuffs attached to a chain bolted to the floor.

The boys told police that the first time Kellam approached them, he gave them money for candy. The second time, they say Kellam tried to coerce them into watching a video inside his van.

The school principal called police and Kellam was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender. Police say Kellam admitted he planned to assault the boys.

Thursday's hearing was to determine whether the video of that admission can be played for jurors when Kellam stands trial.

District Attorney Greg Edwards said, "How we protect our disabled, our senior citizens and our children is the most important reflection of the character of the community and this office is going to do everything it can to make sure our children are protected."

School police assistant chief J.C. Phillips testified Thursday that Kellam was read his Miranda rights and admitted to the crime under his own free will.

Judge Stephen Goss will hold another hearing next month to watch Kellam's videotaped interview with police before he makes a ruling on its admissibility.

In 2003, Kellam was convicted of false imprisonment of a child in Florida.